Northampton V Rochdale at Sixfields Stadium : Match Preview

27 January 2014 06:01

New Northampton manager Gary Wilder will get a first look at his new players when high-flying Rochdale visit Sixfields.

Wilder left an Oxford side sat just four points adrift of leaders Scunthorpe to take over at rock-bottom Northampton on Monday and he will be hoping his new team give his decision early justification.

Ian Morris made his comeback from a hamstring injury as a substitute in Saturday's 3-1 defeat to Chesterfield and Wilder must decide whether to hand the winger his first start since December 21.

The likes of Ishmel Demontagnac and Roy O'Donovan will be hoping the arrival of Wilder opens the door to regular first-team football.

Rochdale boss Keith Hill could include Jason Kennedy in his plans following the midfielder's return to the club on loan.

Kennedy left Spotland for Bradford in the summer, but has failed to hold down a regular starting place under Phil Parkinson and has signed on loan for Dale until the end of the season.

Defender Olly Lancashire remains doubtful due to the unspecified injury that forced him out of the recent draw at Chesterfield, while striker Joe Bunney and defender Joe Rafferty hope to return after being rested for the FA Cup defeat to Sheffield Wednesday.

Hill has no new injury or suspension worries as Dale bid to extend their unbeaten league run to four matches.